Thomas Lavstsen

Thomas Lavstsen is a Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He leads the DISCOVERY team at the Center for Medical Parasitology (CMP), focusing on molecular aspects of host-microbe interactions during human malaria infection.

His primary research areas include:

• Malaria pathogenesis and immunity
• Molecular characterization of host-parasite interactions mediated by PfEMP1 proteins
• Vaccine development against malaria based on PfEMP1
• Adjunct therapies to alleviate severe malaria symptoms
• Molecular evolution of Plasmodium falciparum
• Structural biology of parasite adhesion proteins
• Antibody responses to malaria infection

Lavstsen's research has significantly advanced our understanding of how Plasmodium falciparum uses PfEMP1 proteins to bind to human receptors, particularly the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), which is linked to severe malaria in children. His work has shown that specific subsets of PfEMP1 proteins confer different endothelial receptor binding phenotypes and cause different severe malaria syndromes. This discovery has opened new avenues for vaccine development and understanding malaria immunity.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on malaria epidemiology, antibody responses, gene expression analysis, and computational approaches to understanding parasite biology. The research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications and public health interventions, with particular emphasis on how parasites evade immune responses while maintaining critical binding functions.

Lavstsen has received recognition through numerous citations and media attention for his work, with research featured in major news outlets and discussed on social media platforms including X, Bluesky, and Facebook. His research has been picked up by at least 12 news outlets and shared by numerous researchers on academic platforms.

He actively collaborates with researchers across multiple countries, particularly in malaria-endemic regions of Africa, to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of malaria in real-world settings. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, structural biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research to tackle the complex challenges of malaria pathogenesis.